As from 24th April 2017, new harsher fines were introduced for those caught speeding. The strict new rules include an increase in fines of up to 50% for Band C offenders – those caught driving considerably over the speed limit.
There are three bands of fines – A, B and C. Band A fines are for those drivers caught speeding at between 1-10mph over the limit; Band B fines are for those caught driving at 11-21 mph over the limit; Band C applies to those drivers caught driving at speeds in excess of 21mph of the speed limit.
The starting point for being liable for a speeding ticket remains the same, regardless of plea, previous convictions (or lack of) , or how many mph over the speed limit the driver was recorded driving at.
|
Speed limit (mph) |
Recorded speed (mph) |
||
|
20 |
41 and above |
31 – 40 |
21 – 30 |
|
30 |
51 and above |
41 – 50 |
31 – 40 |
|
40 |
66 and above |
56 – 65 |
41 – 55 |
|
50 |
76 and above |
66 – 75 |
51 – 65 |
|
60 |
91 and above |
81 – 90 |
61 – 80 |
|
70 |
101 and above |
91 – 100 |
71 – 90 |
|
Sentencing range |
Band C fine |
Band B fine |
Band A fine |
|
Points or disqualification |
Disqualify 7 – 56 days |
Disqualify 7 – 28 days |
3 points |
Table – Sentencing Council
Band A example
You are recorded driving at a speed of 46mph in a 40mph zone.
You will receive three points on your licence,
The initial fine is 50% of your weekly wage.
Depending on the circumstances, the final fine figure could be between 25% and 75% of your weekly wage.
Band B example
You are recorded driving at a speed of 67mph in a 50mph zone.
You will receive four to six points on your licence or be disqualified from driving for between 7 and 28 days,
The initial fine is 100% of your weekly wage.
Depending on the circumstances, the final fine figure could be between 75% and 125% of your weekly wage.
Band C example
You are recorded driving at a speed of 112mph in a 70mph zone.
You will receive six points on your licence or be disqualified from driving for between 7 and 56 days,
The initial fine is 150% of your weekly wage.
Depending on the circumstances, the final fine figure could be between 125% and 175% of your weekly wage
Mitigating circumstances
These are circumstances which the Court may decide to take into account and thereby reduce your penalty. They could include an established genuine emergency, a lack of any previous motoring convictions, a lack of any relevant or recent convictions and being of “good character”.
Aggravating circumstances
These are factors which the Court may take into account and thereby increase your penalty. They could include certain prior convictions, speeding in bad weather conditions, speeding in a lorry, bus or a taxi, speeding with passengers on-board, speeding while towing a caravan/trailer, speeding while being paid to drive, or speeding in an inappropriate location such as near a school or a densely populated shopping street/town centre.
Statutory aggravating factors include the driver committing the offence while on bail and having a relevant previous conviction.
Fixed Penalty Notices
If you are caught speeding by a police officer in person, you will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or, if the offence is severe, a court summons.
You do not have to accept the FPN; you have 28 days in which to reject it, but if you do so then you will have to go to court to plead your case. However, the penalty from the court will always be higher than the fixed penalty (the maximum fine for speeding is £1,000 or £2,500 if caught speeding on a motorway). The court will never impose fewer than three penalty points, and you run the risk of your driving licence being revoked.
If you are thinking of rejecting a FPN, then it’s important that you seek legal advice before taking any action. Our member lawyers are experts in this area and can advise on you on the best course of action.
If you accept the FPN, you will receive three points on your driving licence and a £100 fine.
It is not possible to appeal a FPN.
If you have nine or more active points on your driving licence at the time of being caught speeding then it will not be possible for the police to issue you with a FPN, instead the case will have to go to court.
Notice of Intended Prosecution
If you are caught speeding on a speed camera, then the owner of the car you are driving will receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) and a request to provide the details by post of whoever was driving at the that time. There is a section in the NIP that allows the owner to provide these details.
If the owner of the car was driving and agrees that they were speeding, then once they have sent confirmation of this to the police, they will either receive a FPN, an offer to attend a Speed Awareness Course, or a court summons.
If the owner of the car was driving but disagrees that they were speeding, then they should respond to the police stating that they were driving at the time of the alleged offence. If the Police then issue a FPN or an offer to attend a Speeding Awareness Course, the owner should seek legal advice from an Simply.Law member lawyer as to whether they should accept either of these. In the event that you are in this position and you do not accept an FPN or a Speeding Awareness Course then you will have to take your case to the local magistrates’ court to plead your case.
Motoring offence solicitors at your side
Simply.Law can connect you very quickly with an experienced speeding fine solicitor who can provide you with invaluable legal advice and can defend you in court if necessary. So, if you have received, or are about to receive a speeding ticket, don’t delay, contact Simply.Law today.
